Proposed Solar Roof Concept For Notre Dame

Paris’ Notre Dame Cathedral could be fitted with a new Solar roof. The new roof for Notre Dame could harnesses solar energy to provide enough energy to power nearby buildings if the design is accepted.

Made up of diamond-shaped glass panels propped up with laminated wooden beams, Vincent Callebaut Architectures claim it would turn the iconic landmark into an energy-positive building.

The panels would store solar power in hydrogen fuel cells, the Paris-based firm said. As more than enough energy would be stored to power the Cathedral. The excess energy could then be channelled to nearby buildings.

The roof would also house a garden which would provide fruit and vegetables for the poor and homeless of the city.

Glass sections in the ceiling that separates the roof from the interior would allow natural light to flood in from above. Some may welcome the brighter nave but it would counteract the light coming in through the much loved stained glass windows.

This is one of a number of designs submitted after the French government announced an international competition to design a new roof after the old, timber roof was burnt down in the devastating fire earlier this year.

This design was unfortunately not the winner. The winning submission was designed by Zeyu Cai and Sibei Li, called ‘Paris Heartbeat.’ And it was chose from 225 designs. The design features a new spire which represents the memory, presence and a hope of humanity. The time capsule at the top of the spire can move up and down, breathing and beating together like the heartbeat of the city. The inside reflection of the tower spire creates a city kaleidoscope. The vibrant glass would be brought to life by the light while the structure expresses the shadow. The beauty and logic of the Rose Window of Notre Dame would be reinterpreted through the design.